Gripping tool



A. M. oLwERl GRIPPING TooL Aug. 19, 1952 Filed March 1G. 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet l gva/UWM mfr-Hom- M. ouf/W4 A. M. oLlvERl GRIPPING Toor.

Aug. 19, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet' 2 Filed March l0, 1948 FIG'. 6

A. M. oLlvERl Aug. 19, 1952 GRIPPING TOOL Filed MaIGh 10, 1948 0,. /V/WI N Il m@ engages the valve seat 26 and acts as a check valve to close the aperture 21 in a manner to permit air to enter the housing 25 from below said housing, but to prevent flow of air downwardly from tube I9. An outer sleeve 29 is secured to the housing 25, and bearing on the top of said sleeve is a washer 3D of resilient material such as rubber or the like, said washer beingv slidably engaged with the lower portion of rod I9. The rod I9 is flanged above the washer 30 as shown at 3I to limit upward movement of the washer with respect to the rod.

The tool is operated by telescoping the resilient sleeve I over the end of a radio tube, or other element, a portion of the tube being received within the chamber I3. During this operation the air above the tube escapes upwardly past the ball 28, through the tubular rod I9, through the orifice 24 and out to the atmosphere through vent grooves 22. The spring 23 biases the rod upwardly so that the sleeve 29 bears against the washer 30 and seals the interior of the chamber I3 with respect to the bore I1. The radio tube or other element is now gripped by the tool, the sleeve I5 having secured a pneumatic and fric tional grip upon the tube, and by virtue of this gripping 'action of the tool the tube may be lifted out of its socket.v To loosen thegrip on the tube thereafter the push button .20 is pushed downwardly, which relieves pressure of spring 23 on the washer 30, permitting air from the atmosphere to enter the chamber from the bore I1 past said washer. If the radio tube is of the type having an upwardly projecting centraltip .or protuberance, depression of the valve housing 25 causes the ball 28 to be lifted upwardly off its seat into abutment with the bottom of the rod I9 by engagement with said projecting tip, thereby providing a second means for permitting air from the atmosphere to enter the chamber and providing a means for exerting additional downward pressure on the tube to push it towards the lower chamber opening, the main pressure in this regard being exerted by the member 29 which engages the end of the tube around the projecting tip.

As will be obvious the tool may be utilized for inserting a radio tube or other element into its socket or mounting apparatus as well as for removing such tubes or other elements.

Another form of my invention is illustrated in Fig. 4 wherein the tool comprises a body member 4I having an axial bore 42 in which is loosely positioned a rod 43. The axial bore has an upper enlarged end portion 44 in which is mounted a coiled spring 45 which encircles the upper portion of the rod 43 and bears upwardly on a push button member 46 secured to the upper end of the rod. The rod carries at its lower end a'valve housing 47 in which is secured a valve seat mem-` ber 48 having a central orifice 49 o n which is seated a ball 50. The body 4I is formed at its lower end with a chambered portion 5I for the reception of the tube or other element to be gripped, the top wall of said chamber being conical and being sealingly engagedby the conical top wall surface of the valve housing 41. An aperture 52 is formed in the top wallv of the valve housing 41.

Within the chambered portion 5I is secured a resilient sleeve member 53 which is held in posi:- tion --by a depending outwardly flared annular Iiange 54 integral with the body member 4I. The outwardly aring flangev is formed after the sleeve member 53V is inserted in the chamber during the process of manufacture of the tool so that the sleeve is securely locked in position.

In operation, the tool is telescoped over a radio tube in the same manner as described in connection with Fig. l, the chamber 5I being vented to the atmosphere through orifice 52 and through bore 42. To loosen the grip on the tube after it has been extracted from its socket, the push button 46 is depressed, thus disengaging the conical top wall surface of the valve housing 41 from the conical inner top wall surface of the chambered portion 5I, allowing air to enter the chamber 5I from the bore 42.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the tool structure is the same as that of Fig. 4 except that the resilient sleeve 53 is locked in position by a locking ring 55 which presses the upper portion of the sleeve into an annular internal groove formed in the wall of the chambered portion 5I. The operation of the device illustrated in Fig. 5 is the same as that of Fig. 4.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is `illustrated in Figs. 8-12, in this embodiment the tool being shown in-actual operation as gripping a radio tube B0. In this preferred embodiment the tool comprises an elongated body member designated generally at 6I and preferably being formed of a suitable metal, as for example aluminum, though other materials, as, for example, rubber, might be used. The body member 6I has an upper portion Bla. which forms a handle for the tool. A longitudinal bore 62 extends through the body member, this bore,v being axial of the body member in the construction illustrated, and having its upper portion enlarged to accommodate a coiled spring 63. The bore 62 opens at its lower end into a rst enlarged chamber 64, a portion 64a of the wall of which forms a valve seat. This rst chamber opens into a further enlarged lower second chamber 65 which is adapted to receive the end of the radio tube or other element to be gripped.

While if desired the lower portion of the body member may itself be formed of resilient material, in the construction illustrated a resilient gripping sleeve 66 is mounted in the second chamber 65. As best seen in Fig. 11 the sleeve 66 is held in the chamber 65 by means of a relatively thick annular rib aintegral with the sleeve which seats in a relatively deep annular groove 65a inthe chamber'. This construction prevents the sleeve from being pulled from the chamber even in the event that considerable force is exerted to remove the tube from its socket. A portion of the walls of the sleeve are spaced from the chamber walls, the upper portion of the sleeve being spaced by means of the rib 66a and the Alower portion of the sleeve being spaced by means of a plurality of annular saw-tooth ribs 66D, this construction permitting expansion of the sleeve'by entry therein of a radio tube or similarly shaped element. An inwardly extending annular flange or rib 66o is formed on the bottom of the sleeve 66 to insure that a seal is obtained between the sleeve and the wall of the tube or other element to be gripped. In Fig. 12 this flange is shown in normal or unstressed condition, and in Fig. 11 the flange is deformed or flattened by the wall of the tube to form an air-tight seal around said tube. The particular formation of the flange 66e permits easy entry of the tube into the sleeve, while the flange, when deformed by the walls of the tube, forms an airtight seal and assists in frictionally gripping th tube.

A push rod 61 is slidable axially of the bore 62,

of which forms a valve seat, and having a further enlarged second chamber adapted to receive the end of the tube to be gripped; a resilient gripping'sleeve in said second chamber adapted to gripsaid tube p neumaticaly'and frictionally; a push rod slidable in said bore; and a valve member engaging said rod, said valve member comprising a cup shaped body of substantial depth positioned in said first chamber with its open` end extending into said second chamber and fac# ing Athe end of the tubeentered in said second chamber, said valve member being of vslightly smaller cross section than said rst chamber and cooperating with said seat to close said valve bore, said valve member being movable to loosen the grip of said gripping member on said tube by opening said chamber to atmosphere through said bore and by exerting pressure against the end of said tube, said valve member having the open end of its cupped body adapted to engage the end of said tube about its center, and receive Without engagement the protuberance at the center of said end.

' 7. An'element gripping tool of the character described, comprising: an elongated body mem- I ber formed with a longitudinal bore having an enlarged elongated chamber at one end adapted to receive therein at least a portion of an elongated element to be gripped; an elongated tubular resilient element gripping member in said chamber, at least a portion of the walls of said resilient member being spaced radially from the ber formed with an axial bore having an enlarged e chamberat one end adapted to receive at least wallsV of said chamber to permit radial expansion of said member; a rod slidable axially of said bore; andv apparatus in said chamber movable by said rod endwise relative to said chamber. to loosen the grip of said gripping member on said element.

8. AA radio tube gripping tool of the character described, comprising: an elongated body mem o ber formed with a longitudinal bore having an enlarged first chamber a portion of the Wall of which forms a valve seat, and having a further enlarged second chamber adapted to receive the end of the tube to be gripped; a resilient gripping sleeve inl said second chamber adapted to grip said tube pneumatically and frictionally, the

- Walls of said resilient sleeve being ribbed to provide a portion spaced from the walls of said second chamber to permit radial expansion of said sleeve; a push rod slidable in said bore; a

valve member on said rod, said valve member ranged that the open end of its cup-shaped body is adapted to engage the end of said tube about 8V4 its-center, andreceivetlie'end of'said tube with; out engaging a protuberance at the center of said end; and a spring `normally maintaining saidl valve closed. 1 e

9.v Anelement'gripping tool of the character described, comprising: an elongated body member formedwith an axial bore having a chamber at one end adapted to receive at least a portion of the element to be gripped; at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient forv gripping contactl with the element to be gripped; a rod member slidable axially of said bore; a check valve-carried by said rod member and formed and arranged to allow air to flow only into said bore from said chamber; a second valve normally closed but selectively operative to establish communication between said chamber and ysaid bore; andapparatus carried by said rod member for operating said second valve.

l0. A radio tube gripping tool ofthe character described, comprising: an elongated body mema portionof the tube to be gripped; atleast the innerside walls of ksaid chamber beingresilient into said rod, said rod being formed at upper portion With an aperture; a second valve carried by said rod adjacent the check valveI and formed and arranged Vtocooperatewith the inner sur. face of the chamber to sealthe bore with respect to the chamber; and selectively operable appa-I ratus carried by said rod member for releasing said second Valve from sealing engagement With the surface of the chamber.

1l. A radio tube gripping tool of the character described, comprising: an elongated body member formed with an axial bore having an enlarged chamber at oneend adapted to receive at least a portion of the tubento be gripped; a rod member slidable axially of said bore;,a check valve` carried by said rod member in said chamber, saidl checkyalve being formed and arranged toadmit air only from said chamber into said bore; a second valve normally closed but selectively operable to establish communication between said chamber and said. bore; apparatus carried by said rodmember for operating said second valve; a resilient inner sleeve in said chamber, the inner wall .surface of said chamber being formed with anannular groove, and an annular rib carried bysaid sleeve and seated in said groove.

12. A radio. tube gripping tool of the character described,'comprising: an elongated bodyV member formed with an axial bore having a chamber at one end adapted to receive at least a portion of the tube to be gripped; a rod member slidable axiallyof said bore; a check valve carried by said rod member in said chamber, said check valve being formed and arranged to admit air only from said chamber into said bore; a second valve normally closed but selectively operable to establish communication between said chamber and said bore; apparatus carried by said rod member for operating said second valve; aV resilient inner sleeve in said chamber, the inner surface of said chamber being formed with an annular groove; and a locking ring engaging said resilient sleeve and pressing a portion there# of into said annular groove. l

13. An element gripping tool comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the element to be gripped, at least the inner sidewalls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the element to be gripped, whereby to grip said element pneumatically and frictionally, a check valve operable pneumatically by said air eX- hausted from said chamber upon entry therein of the element to be gripped, whereby to effect a pneumatic seal for said chamber when the element is positioned therein, and a manually operable valve for opening said chamber to the atmosphere independently of said check valve.

14. An element gripping tool comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the element to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the element to be gripped, whereby to grip said element pneumatically and rictionally, a check valve operable pneumatically by the air exhausted from said chamber upon entry therein of the element to be gripped, whereby to effect a pneumatic seal for said chamber when the element is positioned therein, a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber, and a valve for opening said chamber to the atmosphere independently of said check valve arranged to be operated by said ejector.

15. An element gripping tool comprising a body member formed to provide an elongated chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of an elongated element to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping Contact around the sides of the element to be gripped, whereby to grip said element pneumatically and frictionally, a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber endwise thereof to mechanically eject the element therefrom, and a valve for opening said chamber to the atmosphere arranged to be operated by said ejector to open position in the ejecting movement.

16. An element gripping tool comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the element to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the element to be gripped, whereby to grip said element pneumatically and frictionally, a manually operable ejector movable in said chamber, and a valve for opening said chamber to the atmosphere arranged to be operated by said ejector, said valve being so arranged that it is opened prior to engagement of the element by the ejector.

17. An element gripping tool for gripping glass tubes, such as radio tubes, having a protuberance on the outer end, comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the tube to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the tube to be gripped, whereby to grip said tube pneumatically and frictionally, a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber, that is cupshaped so as to be engageable with the outer end of the tube around and out of engagement with 10 said protuberance, and a valve for opening said chamber to the atmosphere arranged to be operated by said ejector.

18. An element gripping tool for gripping glass tubes, such as radio tubes, having a protuberance on the outer end, comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the tube to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the tube to be gripped, whereby to grip said tube frictionally, and a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber, that is cup-shaped so as to be engageable with the outer end of the tube around and out of engagement with said protuberance.

19. An element gripping tool for gripping glass tubes, such as radio tubes, having a protuberance on the outer end, comprising a body member formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the tube to be gripped, at least the inner side Walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the tube to be gripped, whereby to grip said tube pneumatically and frictionally, a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber, that is cup-shaped so as to be engageable with the outer end of the tube around and outvof engagement with said protuberance, and a check valve operable pneumatically by the air exhausted from said chamber upon entry of a tube therein, whereby to effect a pneumatic seal for said chamber.

20. An element gripping tool for gripping glass tubes, such as radio tubes, having a protuberance on the outer end, comprising a body member :formed to provide a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the tube to be gripped, at least the inner side walls of said chamber being resilient for gripping contact with the tube to be gripped, whereby to grip said tube pneumatically and frictionally, a manually operable ejector, movable in said chamber, that is cupshaped so as to be engageable with the outer end of the tube around and out of engagement with said protuberance, and a check valve operable pneumatically by the air exhausted from said chamber upon entry of a tube therein, whereby to effect a pneumatic seal for said chamber, said check valve being carried by said ejector and arranged so as to be unseated by engagement therewith of the protuberance in the ejecting movement of said ejector.

ANTHONY M. OLIVERI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 606,736 Platt et a1 July 5, 1898 977,158 Berkstresser Nov. 29, 1910 1,457,775 Henderson June 5, 1923 1,514,814 Allen Nov. 11, 1924 2,198,976 Rober Apr. 30, 1940 2,303,393 Schmidt Dec. 1, 1942 2,485,040 Cupo Oct. 18, 1949 

